| SWS STORY |
| How it
all began... |
| Back
in 1975, Mr Mitsuo Nonami was seconded to Singapore to help in the development of local
band directors. His vision was to share with the public an appreciation and understanding
of the spectrum of sounds and variety of music in a symphonic wind medium. This vision was
supported by the late Mr Yo Kiang |
|
Beng, then the Chairman of Yamaha Music
(Asia) Pte Ltd. The formation of an ideal band with the best musical instruments and
musicians was conceptualised. Such eclectic ensemble was a rarity in those days. In 1977,
the National Theatre Symphonic Band (NTSB) was formed under the National Theatre
Trust.  |
|
 |
| The
NTSB era... |
NTSB
developed into an active ensemble performing an average of 3 major concerts every year.
Although NTSB experienced many upheavals in the early days, she rose rapidly as one of the
most popular symphonic windbands.
A high standard of performance was preserved under
the direction of many talented conductors including Mr Mitsuo Nonami, Mr Ho Hwee Long and
Mr Luk Hoi Yui, all of them contributed much to the moulding of NTSB.
Having won the hearts of our local audience by performing
a wide range of music from classical, folk, popular to contemporary, NTSB ventured
overseas to capture a new audience. She toured and performed in West Malaysia and Hong
Kong with high acclaims.
In 1989, an invitation to compete in the 11th World
Music Contest |
|
(WMC) held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands posed
an ultimate challenge for NTSB. This event drew entries from 23 countries including bands
from United States of America, United Kingdom, Spain and Japan. Only 44 members were
selected to represent Singapore as NTSB. Despite all odds in terms of size and exposure,
the NTSB members never for one moment let down their fighting spirit. She gave a virtuoso
performance and the panel of world renown judges stamped their verdict. NTSB bagged the
First Prize in the Second Division Windband Category and a third prize in the overall
division of the 11th WMC.
During her illustrious 15 years, NTSB collaborated
with many outstanding musicians and guest conductors. Without
them, nothing would be possible today! Salutes! |
|
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| The
birth of SWS... |
Subsequently,
the National Theatre Trust dissolved and NTSB registered herself as a non-profitable
society on 26 Jun 1992. With the supports from National Arts Council, Singapore Wind
Symphony (SWS) worked towards the next lap with higher aspirations.
SWS made her debut with an inaugural concert held at the
Mandarin Ballroom on 19 Aug 1992 under the baton of Mr Luk Hoi Yui. Since then, there was
a constant flow of performances organised and collaborated to promote and encourage higher
windband music standard in Singapore.
In 1993, SWS competed and won the First Prize in the
Janitsjafestivalen Band Festival, Hamar, Norway with the highest score in the Festival.
Adding to this |
|
achievement, SWS continued to compete in the
13th World Music Contest, Kerkrade, The Netherlands and clinched the First Prize (this
time with distinction) again in the Second Division.
SWS was also invited as guest band in international music
event like the Asia Pacific Band Directors Association (APBDA). The sounds of SWS was
heard in places like the Cultural Academy in Hong Kong and the world-famous Sydney Opera
House!
In years to come, SWS is committed to scale greater
heights in performing standards of music and creativity in the arts. Her glorious past
showed how SWS is one of the most influential band in Singapore. Her future plans chart
the vision to be one of the finest in the world! |
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